An off-duty officer was waiting in line at a gas station in Orange County when he believed the customer in front of him shoplifted a pack of mints, so he produced his pistol. Jose Arreola, 49, was sliding a pack of Mentos he purchased into his pocket when the customer behind him unveiled a weapon, according to the Washington Post.The Buena Park police officer reportedly took out his semiautomatic weapon and instructed Arreola to put the mints back in the display. When Arreola tried to explain that he already paid for the mints, the officer held his gun out for a few more seconds before reportedly saying “Try stealing that again. Get your cash and leave,” before putting his weapon away. Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez issued a statement on Facebook stating that the incident disturbed him and the off-duty officer’s behavior will be investigated. Here is the full message: “In an effort to be transparent, I am sharing an article with you that was in the OC Register today regarding an off-duty incident that occurred involving one of our police officers. The video of the incident clearly shows our officer drawing his gun, but not pointing it, at a subject he allegedly believed was committing a theft inside the mini-mart of a Chevron gas station in Buena Park. We were aware of this incident after it occurred and we immediately began conducting an administrative investigation into the conduct of the officer involved. The complainant also filed a formal complaint against the officer alleging misconduct and also retained an attorney. I want you to know that after I watched the video I found it to be disturbing, as I’m sure it was to you. However, because there is an ongoing personnel investigation and potential litigation pending against the city, I am unable to discuss the details of our investigation. I can definitely assure you that our investigation will be thorough and if the officer is found to be in violation of any policies and procedures, he will be held accountable. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

An off-duty officer was waiting in line at a gas station in Orange County when he believed the customer in front of him shoplifted a pack of mints, so he produced his pistol.

The Buena Park police officer reportedly took out his semiautomatic weapon and instructed Arreola to put the mints back in the display.

When Arreola tried to explain that he already paid for the mints, the officer held his gun out for a few more seconds before reportedly saying “Try stealing that again. Get your cash and leave,” before putting his weapon away.

Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez issued a statement on Facebook stating that the incident disturbed him and the off-duty officer’s behavior will be investigated.

Here is the full message:

“In an effort to be transparent, I am sharing an article with you that was in the OC Register today regarding an off-duty incident that occurred involving one of our police officers. The video of the incident clearly shows our officer drawing his gun, but not pointing it, at a subject he allegedly believed was committing a theft inside the mini-mart of a Chevron gas station in Buena Park. We were aware of this incident after it occurred and we immediately began conducting an administrative investigation into the conduct of the officer involved. The complainant also filed a formal complaint against the officer alleging misconduct and also retained an attorney. I want you to know that after I watched the video I found it to be disturbing, as I’m sure it was to you. However, because there is an ongoing personnel investigation and potential litigation pending against the city, I am unable to discuss the details of our investigation. I can definitely assure you that our investigation will be thorough and if the officer is found to be in violation of any policies and procedures, he will be held accountable. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”